The Red King and Smoggie Queens, two scripted TV series supported by the North East Production Fund (NEPF), lead the nominations for the upcoming Royal Television Society North East and the Borders Awards with eight nominations.
The Red King, produced by Quay Street Productions (Fool Me Once, Missing You, Nolly) for UKTV, received four nominations including Drama and Drama Performance for Anjli Mohindra’s lead role. Behind the camera, Cinematographer Richard Stoddard and 1st AD La’Toyah McDonald have been recognised for their work on the show.
Smoggie Queens, a laugh-out-loud scripted comedy produced by Hat Trick Productions (Derry Girls, Outnumbered, Have I got News for You) for BBC Three, also received four nominations including Comedy and Newcomer for Middlesbrough-born writer and star, Phil Dunning. Casting Director Sam Claypole, and the costume team, led by Ryan Hooper, have been nominated for the Crew Award.
Gayle Woodruffe, Operations Director at North East Screen, said, “Through NEPF we are positioning the North East as a base for returning high end TV drama. We’re delighted that Quay Street Productions and The Red King brought North East locations and crew to international screens in a stunning show.
“We’re also very proud to support Hat Trick’s hilarious Smoggie Queens, which demonstrates a real sense of our region, direct from a regional writer, capitalising on the experience of our regional crew with international appeal.
“We’re thrilled that these productions supported by NEPF are receiving the recognition they deserve.”
The North East Production Fund is managed and delivered by North East Screen on behalf of the North East Screen Industries Partnership. Since 2022, the fund has invested almost £2.5 million in predominantly scripted projects. It is delivering rapid growth to the region’s screen industry, driving inward investment, increasing visibility, creating jobs, and growing infrastructure.
The North East and the Borders RTS Awards take place on Saturday 15th February at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton. It’s set to be a star-studded evening, highlighting the many amazing TV projects that have happened across the region over the past year.
